2016 Chevrolet Traverse
Common Problems
Ranked from 159 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Airbag Recall Issue
62complaintsSafety riskOtherMultiple reports of unresolved airbag recall issues where the necessary parts are not available, posing a potential safety risk.
- 2
Electrical system issues leading to warning lights
24complaintsMedium severityElectricalVarious electrical system issues cause multiple warning lights to appear on the dashboard, including service stability and traction control warnings.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Airbag recall issues
20complaintsSafety riskElectricalRecall repairs for airbags are delayed, posing a safety risk.
- 4
Recall Non-Resolution
20complaintsSafety riskOtherMultiple reports of unresolved recalls, with parts not available and exceeding expected repair times.
- 5
Transmission failure during operation
18complaintsHigh severityTransmissionSeveral contacts reported transmission failure, including loss of power and smoke emission, which can lead to a dangerous driving situation.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Check engine light on with no clear code
9complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light comes on without any clear diagnostic trouble codes being found.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Loss of power under acceleration
9complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe vehicle loses power and stalls when accelerating from a stop or under heavy throttle, often accompanied by a loss of traction control and stability.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Power steering pump failure
9complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering pump intermittently fails, causing difficulty in turning the wheel, especially at low speeds.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Severe tire cracking and dry rotting
9complaintsMedium severityOtherAll four tires show visible cracking and dry rotting between the treads and sidewalls, leading to potential tread separation.
- 10
Steering wheel suddenly stiffens
7complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering wheel suddenly becomes stiff and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or when stationary.
- 11
Engine Stall or Loss of Power During Driving
6complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls or loses power during driving, often requiring multiple attempts to restart.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Vehicle instability issues
5complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues with vehicle stability control and traction control leading to erratic behavior and potential accidents.
- 13
Vehicle Speed Control and Stability Issues
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalIssues with vehicle speed control and stability systems lead to reduced speed and power, often with warning lights.
- 14
Steering issues
4complaintsMedium severitySteeringPower steering pump failures causing difficulty in steering and potential safety concerns.
- 15
Tire Defects and Failures
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemDefective tires, including cracking and tread separation, lead to driving difficulties and potential accidents.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.